REPRODUCTION – II PUC MAHESH PU COLLEGE

CHAPTER 3 – HUMAN REPRODUCTION

Reproduction is a physiological process by which an organism produces new individual
or offspring of its own kind.
The human beings reproduce sexually and are viviparous. The reproductive units are
the gametes i.e. sperm and Ova.
At puberty there are marked morphological and physiological changes occurring in
males and females. These changes are secondary sexual characters which are produced
as a result of hormones.
The Reproductive events in human are.
1. Gametogenesis – Production of sperm & Ova
2. Insemination – copulation
3. Fertilization
4. Implantation
5. Gestation
6. Parturition
Human Reproductive System:
Human beings are unisexual with male and female individuals which are well
differentiated into male and female morphological characters. This is called sexual
dimorphism.
The reproductive system of each sex consists of many organs which are distinguished
as primary sex organ and secondary sex organs.
Male Reproductive System:
Male reproductive system consists of a pair of testes, a pair of epididymis, a pair of vasa
deferentia, a pair of ejaculatory ducts, a penis and accessory glands like a pair of
seminal vesicles, a prostate gland and a pair of Cowper’s or Bulbourethral glands.
Primary Sex organ:
Testes: The testes are primary sex organs. They are soft, smooth pinkish oval organs
with a length of about 4 – 5 cm and a width of about 2 to 3 cm, that are suspended in
the scrotum by spermatic cord. Testis produce sperms (spermaries) and secrete
hormones. Each testis has about 250 compartments called testicular lobules.
Scrotum:
The scrotum is a pouch of pigmented skin arising from the lower abdomen wall and
hanging between the legs. The scrotum is divided internally into right and left scrotal
sacs by muscular partition. The scrotum acts as a thermoregulator, maintaining the
testes at a temperature 20C to 2.50C lesser than the body temperature which is
essential for the formation of sperms. The seminiferous tubules are structural and
functional units of the testis, lined by (male germ cells) spermatogonial cells and

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sertoli cells. Spermatogonial cells give rise to sperms. The sertoli cells provide
nourishment to developing spermatogonial cells.
The regions outside the seminiferous tubules are called as interstitial spaces or
interstitial cells or Leydig cells which secretes testosterone / androgens.
Accessory ducts:
 It includes rete testis, vasa efferentia, epididymis and vasa deferens.
 The seminiferous tubules merge into a network of tiny tubules called rete testis.
 Arising from rete testis is vasa efferentia, which leads into a coiled comma shaped
tube called epididymis. It serves as storage and transport organ. Sperms stay in the
epididymis during which, the immature nonmotile sperm undergo physiological
maturation and become motile and functional.
(1) Epididymis then leads into the vasa deferens (ductus deferens). It ascends along the
testis and passes around the urinary bladder.
(2) It receives a duct from seminal vesicle and opens into urethra as the ejaculatory
duct.
(3) These ducts store and transport the sperm from the testis to the outside through
urethra.
(4) The urethra originates from the urinary bladder and extends through the penis to its
external opening called urethral meatus.
(5) The male accessory glands include a pair of seminal vesicles, a single prostate gland
and a pair of bulbourcthral glands.
Accessory glands:
 Seminal Vesicles: These secrete alkaline, viscous secretion, rich in fructose and are
used as an energy source.
 Prostate gland: This secretes prostatic fluid rich in citric acid and enzymes that
help in sperm motility.
 Cowper’s gland (Bulbourethral glands): These secrete alkaline secretion rich in
mucous.
 Helps in lubrication.
 Functions of semen- provide fluid medium for the transmission of sperms. Nourish
and activate sperms to keep them viable and motile, neutralize acidity in the urethra
of male and vaginal canal of female to protect sperms.
External Genitalia:
 It consists of penis which is the copulatory organ.
 It encloses urethra which arises from urinary bladder which serves as a common
passage for urine and semen (urino genital tract).

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 Penis is composed of corpus spongiosum and corpora cavernosa, the special
tissue which helps in erection of penis to facililate insemination.
 The enlarged end of penis is called glans penis which is covered by loose, retractile
fold of skin known as foreskin.

Female Reproductive System:

The female reproductive system consists of the following parts, a pair of ovaries, a pair
of oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina and external genitalia.
These parts of the system along with a pair of Mammary glands are integrated
structurally and functionally to support the process of ovulation, fertilization,
pregnancy, birth and child care.
1. A pair of Ovaries:
 The Ovaries are the primary sex organs of the female.
 The ovaries lie in the lower part of the abdomen.
 Each ovary is about 2 – 4 cm in the length and is connected to the uterus by ovarian
ligament.
 The ovaries produce egg and secrete hormones.
T.S of Ovary:
1. The ovaries are solid organs and are composed of connective tissue, the stroma.
Covered by a layer of cuboidal cells the germinal epithelium.
2. The stroma consists of outer cortex and central medulla.
3. The Medulla contains many rounded bodies called follicles at various stages of
development.
4. Each follicle contains a large ovum surrounded by many layers of follicle cells.
5. The follicles are at different stages of development.
6. A matured follicle is called Graafian follicle.

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2. Fallopian tube (Oviduct):
A fallopian tube is about 10 to 12 cm long muscular tube. The oviduct shows 4 parts.
 Funnel – shaped Infundibulum
 The edge of infundibulum possess finger- like projection called fimbriae which
collects the ovum after ovulation.
 The wider part of the oviduct called ampulla.
 Isthmus is the very short narrow part of the oviduct.
The fallopian tube helps in the passage of egg from ovary to uterus, also provides
environment for its fertilization.
3. Uterus:
The uterus is single also called womb, the shape of the uterus is like an inverted pear
shaped. The uterus has three parts: fundus, body and the cervix. The wall of the uterus
has three layers external perimetrium, middle thick myometrium made up of smooth
muscles and inner richly vascularized and glandular layer called endometrium. It is
the site of menstruation, implantation of the zygote, development of the foetus and
labour.
4. Cervix:
It is a narrow lower portion of the uterus which secretes the mucous that enhances
sperm movement into the uterus.
5. Vagina:
It is a muscular tube lined by mucous membrane which receives the penis during
sexual intercourse where semen is ejaculated. It also serves as the birth canal during
parturition.
6. External Genitalia (Vulva):
The female external genitalia includes
Mons pubis – Anterior portion of vulva made up of fat tissue covered with skin and
course pubic hair.
Labia majora
Two longitudinal muscular folds of skin
Labia minora
Hymen that cover the vaginal orifice partially.
It is broken or torn during first coitus. It can also be broken by a sudden fall, insertion
of vaginal tampon, sports, horse riding, cycling etc.
Clitoris a tiny finger – like structure made up of spongy erectile tissues and is
homologous to the penis

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MAMMARY GLANDS:
Mammary glands (mammae – breast):
They are paired modified sweat glands that produce, secrete and eject milk and are
characteristic of all female mammals.

1. Mammary glands are large, hemispherical structures made up of large amount of

adipose and glandular tissue.
2. The glandular tissue consist of about 15-20 mammary lobes, the lobes are further
composed of lobules which consist of numerous milk secreting glands called
alveoli. Arising from the alveoli are mammary tubules.
3. The tubules of each lobe unite to form mammary ducts.
4. These converge below the nipple to form wider milk reservoirs, called mammary
ampulla or lactiferous sinuses, where some milk may be stored.

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5. The mammary ampulla narrows at the apex of the nipple to form the lactiferous
ducts through which the milk is sucked.
6. Surrounding the nipple is a circular disc-like, rough pigmented skin called areola.
7. The areola contains modified sebaceous glands to provide lubrication for the nipple
during nursing. The ejection of milk (lactation) is stimulated by oxytocin.
8. The production of milk (lactogenesis) is stimulated by Prolactin/Luteotropic
hormone.
Gametogenesis:
It is a process during which haploid gametes are produced within the gonads. Since
there are 2 types of gemetes i.e. sperm (males) and Ovum (females), there are 2 types of
gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
Spermatogenesis:
It is the process during which spermatogonia develop to form sperm by mitotic and
meiotic cell division. It occurs in seminiferous tubules of the testis. The events
occurring during spermatogenesis can be studies under 4 steps.
(a) Period of Multiplication:
During this period the spermatogonia divide repeatedly by mitotic cell division to
produce more spermatogonia. Few remain for further mitosis while one enter into
period of growth.
(b) Period of growth:
During this period the spermatogonium grows and increase in size to form primary
spermatocyte. They are diploid and slightly larger than spermatogonia.
(c) Period of maturation:
During this period primary spermatocyte undergoes 1st meiosis to produce 2 haploid
cells called secondary spermatocytes which further under 2nd meiotic division to
produce cells called spermatids. Each secondary spermatocyte produce 2 spermatids.
Hence 4 spermatids are produced from each spermatogonia.

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(d) Spermateleosis: The spermatids are nonfunctional. Hence they undergo a series of
changes by which a non functional spermatids is transformed into functional sperms.
This process is called spermeogenesis. Following are the changes that occur.
1. Condensation of nucleus
2. Elimination of excess of cytoplasm.
3. Formation of Acrosome, Nebenkern and Axonema.
4. Two centrioles are formed which occupy the next region.
Oogenesis:
It is a process during which a functional haploid ovum is produced from oogonium. It
occurs in the follicle cells of ovary. The entire process of oogenesis can be studied in 3
steps.
(a) Period of Multiplication: During this period oogonium divide repeatedly by mitosis
to produce large number of diploid oogonia.
(b) Period of growth: During this period one of the oogonium enlarges and transforms
into a cell called primary oocyte. The cell enlarges due to:
1. Proliferation of cell organelles
2. Synthesis of biomolecules
3. Deposition of nutritive tissue substances called Yolk (deutoplasm, vitellogen). Since
during this period there is a deposition of Yolk it is also called vitellogenesis.
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(c) Period of maturation: During this period, primary oocyte undergoes 1st meotic
division to produce 2 unequal haploid cells the large cell is called secondary oocyte, and
the smaller cell is called 1st polar body.
The secondary oocyte undergoes 2nd meiotic cell division to produce 2 unequal cells.
The large cell is called ootid and the smaller cell is called 2 nd polar body. Sometimes the
1st polar body also undergoes 2nd meiotic division to produce 2 secondary polar bodies.
Thus at the end of oogenesis, one functional ootid and 3 non functional polar bodies are
formed. Ootid is the functional Ovum.

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Differences between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis:
Spermatogenesis oogenesis
1. Spermatogenesis is the process of Oogenesis is the process of production of
production of sperms. ovum or egg.
2. Take place within the seminiferous Takes place within the follicles of the ovary
tubules of the testis
3. It is represented by four stages: It is represented by three stages:
(a) Period of Multiplication (a) Period of Multiplication
(b) Period of Growth (b) Period of Growth
(c) Period of Maturation (c) Period of Maturation
(d) Spermateleosis
4. During period of multiplication the During period of multiplication the
Spermatogonium undergoes repeated Oogonium undergoes repeated mitosis to
mitosis to produce many spermatogonia produce many Oogonia
5. Growth phase is highly limited Growth phase is prolonged due to
proliferation of cell organelles
6. Period of Maturation is represented During period of maturation the
by meiosis during which Karyokinesis Karyokinesis of meiosis is equal but
and Cytokinesis is equal. Cytokinesis is unequal
7. Spermatids produced during period of Ootid produced during period of
maturation enters into spermateleosis maturation is the functional egg.
and develop to form the functional
sperms
8. There is no production of Polar bodies Polar bodies are produced during period of
during period of maturation. maturation.
9. At the end of spermatogenesis four At the end of oogenesis only one functional
functional sperms are produced from ovum is produced from each oogonia
each spermatogonia
10. During spermatogenesis the During Oogenesis the different developing
different developing stages of the stages of the egg are nourished by Follicle
sperms are nourished by Sertoli cells. cells.

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ULTRA STRUCTURE OF HUMAN SPERM:

Human sperm is microscopic and measures 40 – 45  in length. The 2 major parts of

the sperm are.
1. Head: Head is flat and almond shaped with 2 parts i.e. nucleus and acrosome. Nucleus
has compact mass of chromatin threads, nucleolus and nuclear membrane. It is
surrounded by a thin layer of cytoplasm. The acrosome occupies the anterior part of the
head it contains several hydrolytic enzymes. Hence it is considered as a large lysosome.
Acrosome is derived from the golgi complex of the spermatid.
2. Tail: It forms the major part of the sperm. It is connected to the head with the help of
neck. Neck is the narrow part of the sperm consisting of 2 centrioles i.e. proximal and
distal centrioles.
Tail is divided into 3 parts.
(a) Middle Piece: It is found below the neck. It consists of axonema which starts from
the distal centriole the middle piece has mitochondria that are joined end to end and
surrounds the axonema. Such a fused mitochondria is called nebenkern it provides
energy for the movement of the sperm. Hence the middle piece is called as the engine
room of sperm.
(b) Principal Piece: It is the longest part of the sperm which consist of axonema
surrounded by membrane.
(c) End piece: It is the last part of the tail in which the internal structure are reduced.
Hence it consists of only axonema without cell membrane.

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Structure of Human Ovum:

The human ovum is spherical and is at the secondary oocyte stage when it is released
from the ovary. It measures about 13 mm.
It shows the following parts.
1. It is surrounded by the oolemma (plasma membrane), the oolemma encloses the
inner cytoplasm (ooplasm) which contains all the cell organelles excluding centrioles
and a very prominent nucleus called germinal vesicle.
2. The peripheral ooplasm, lying just under the oolemma is called cortex. It contains
cortical granules.
3. The egg doesn’t contain any yolk hence alecithal.
4. Just outer to oolemma there is a noncellular layer called zona pellucida composed
of glycoproteins.
5. There is a narrow perivitelline space between oolemma and zona pellucida.
6. External to the zona pellucida lies the corona radiata. It is composed of granulosa
cells lying in a matrix of carbohydrate called hyaluronic acid. Numerous finger – like
microvilli extend from these cells into the egg after passing through zona pellucida.

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Differences between Sperm and Ovum:
Sperm ovum
1. They are small and motile They are large and nonmotile
2. They are tadpole shaped They are spherical in shape
3. Sperms are not covered by additional They are covered by additional egg
membrane outer to the plasma membranes outer to the oolemma
membrane
4. They are highly specialized with a They don’t show any specialization
distinct head and tail
5. The mitochondria of the sperm is The mitochondria of the egg is randomly
spirally arranged in form of nebenkern. dispersed in the ooplasm
6. There are two Centrioles in the neck Centrioles are absent in the ovum.
of the sperm.
7. The nucleus of the sperm is The ovum has a very prominent nucleus
compactly and condensley arranged in called germinal vesicle.
the head region.
8. The nucleus of the sperm carries The nucleus of the ovum carries maternal
paternal chromosomes. chromosomes
9. The central support of the tail is Axoneme is absent.
known as axoneme.
10. Cytoplasm is less and Scanty Cytoplasm is abundant.
Menstrual Cycle:
 The reproductive cycle in females is called menstrual cycle.
 In human females menstruation repeats at an average interval of about 28/29 days.
 The menstruation is shedding of mucus of uterus and vaginal bleeding.
 The events of menstrual cycle occurs in the ovaries, uterus and pituitary gland.
 The first menstruation begins at puberty and is called menarche.
 The last menstrual flow is known as menopause.

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The menstrual cycle consists of 3 phases.

1. Menstrual or bleeding phase:
If fertilization doesn’t occur the secondary oocyte degrades Progesterone inhibits the
release of LH which causes the regression of corpus luteum. As a result the uterine
lining die and is sloughed off. The cast of uterine tissue, blood that oozes from the
ruptured endometrial blood vessels, and tissue fluid pass out through the vaginal
opening. This process is called menstrual flow.
The lowered level of progesterone and estrogen due to degradation of corpus luteum
cause the release of FSH. This initiates.
A new cycle it lasts for 3 – 5 days.
2. Follicular or Proliferating phase:
This phase lasts for about 3 – 5 days. The anterior lobe of pituitary secretes FSH
(Follicle Stimulating Hormone) which stimulates the development of follicle and
maturation of oocyte in the follicle.
Development of follicle takes about 13 days. On the 14th day LH (Leutinising Hormone)
induces the graafian follicle to burst to eject the egg into fallopian tube. This is called
Ovulation.
In the uterus the estrogen stimulates it to prepare for the implantation of the foetus by
development of myometrium (smooth muscle layer) and proliferation of endometrium
(epithelial lining) with long and coiled blood vessels, glands develop which secrete
nutritive fluid.
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3. Luteal or secretory phase:
This phase lasts for about 10 days. During this phase the LH and
FSH stimulates the development of yellow body in the graafian follicle called corpus
luteum.
In the uterus the progesterone and estrogen continue the formation of endometrium.
The hormone also stimulates the endometrial glands to secrete nutrient fluid for the
foetus, hence secretory phase.
Note :
Menstrual flow (Menstruation) is described as “Funeral of unfertilized egg” or
“weeping of uterus for the lost Ovum.
Menstrual Hygiene:
Maintenance of hygiene and sanitation during menstruation is very important. Take
bath and clean yourself regularly. Use sanitary napkins or clean homemade pads.
Change sanitary napkins or homemade pads after every 4–5 hrs as per the requirement.
Dispose of the used sanitary napkins properly wrapping it with a used paper. Do not
throw the used napkins in the drainpipe of toilets or in the open area. After handling
the napkin wash hands with soap.
Insemination:
The process of deposition of the sperms into the vagina is called insemination. It
occurs during copulation during which semen is ejaculated by the penis into the
vagina.
After insemination, the sperms swim rapidly through the cervix, uterus and reach the
fallopian tube where the fertilization occur.
Fertilization:
Fertilization in human beings in the fallopian tube and only one sperm fertilize the egg,
hence monospermy.
Fertilisation and implantation:
Fertilisation:
 During copulation (coitus) semen is released by the penis into the vagina
(insemination).
 The motile sperms swim rapidly, pass through the cervix, enter into the uterus and
finally reach the junction of the isthmus and ampulla (ampullary – isthmic junction) of
the fallopian tube.
 The ovum released by the ovary is also transported to the ampullary region where
fertilisation takes place.

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 Fertilisation can only occur if the ovum and sperms are transported simultaneously to
the ampullary –isthmic junction. Hence, not all copulations lead to fertilisation and
pregnancy.
 The process of fusion of a haploid sperm with an haploid ovum is called fertilisation.
 During fertilisation, a sperm comes in contact with the zona pellucida layer of the ovum
and induces changes in the membrane that block the entry of additional sperms to
ensure that only one sperm can fertilise an ovum.
 The secretion of the acrosome help the sperm enter into the cytoplasm of the ovum
through the zona pellucida and the plasma membrane.
 Including the completion of the meiotic division of the secondary oocyte.
 The second meiotic division is also unequal and results in the formation of a second
polar body and a haploid ovum (ootid).
 Soon, the haploid nucleus of the sperms and that of the ovum fuse together to form a
diploid zygote.
Sex Determination in Human:
 The chromosome pattern in the human female XX and that in the male is XY.
 Therefore, all the haploid gametes produced by the female (ova) have the sex
chromosome X whereas in the male gametes (sperms) the sex chromosome could be
either X or Y, hence, 50 per cent of sperms carry the X chromosome while the other 50
percent carry the Y.
 After fusion of the male and female gametes the zygote would carry either XX or XY
depending on the whether the sperm carrying X or Y fertilized the ovum.
 The zygote carrying XX would develop into a female baby and XY would form a male.
Cleavage:
The term cleavage refers to a series of rapid mitotic division of the zygote to form a
hollow, multicellular blastula (Blastocyst). Cleavage in human beings results in the
formation 2, 4, 8, 16 daughter cells called, blastomeres. The embryo with 16 to 32
blastomeres is called morula. The morula continues to form the blastocyst.
Blastocyst:
 A blastocyst is a mass of cells with the cavity called blastocoel filled with the fluid.
 The blastocyst is surrounded by a layer of cells called trophoblast.
 The inner cell mass is known as Embryoblast.
 The blastocyst is surrounded by the zona pellucida
 The unequal distribution of the cells and the fluid within the blastocyst gives
polarity to the blastocyst.
 The pole near the embryoblast is known as embryonic pole.
 Opposite to the embryonic pole is the Abembryonic pole or vegetal pole

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Implantation:
The process of attachment of the blastocyst to the endometrium of uterus, is called
implantation.
1. Implantation occurs on the 7th day after fertilization. The trophoblast layer gets
attached to the endometrium by destroying endometrial cells.
2. Thus the blastocyst sink into a pit formed in the endometrium. The uterine cells
divide rapidly and cover the blastocyst as a result, the blastocyst gets completely
buried in the endometrium.
3. After implantation, the blastocyst forms finger like projections called chorionic villi.
The chorionic villi and the uterine tissue together form the structural and functional
unit between the developing, Embryo and maternal body called placenta.
4. The placenta is connected to the embryo with umbilical cord which helps in the
transport of substances to and from the embryo.
Functions of placenta: The function of placenta are
1. Placenta acts as foetal alimentary canal and helps in the transport of nutrients from the
maternal blood to foetal blood.
2. It acts as foetal lungs and help in the transport of respiratory gases i.e. oxygen and
carbon dioxide.
3. It helps in the diffusion of nitrogenous wastes from foetus to mother (foetal kidney)
4. The antibodies produced in the mother blood as a result of infection are transferred
passively to the foetus to provide immunity.
5. Placenta can store glycogen, fats, iron etc. for the foetus.
6. Placenta also acts as endocrine gland and produce hormone called HCG (Human
Chorionic Gonadotropin), HPL (human placenta lactogen) estrogen, progesterone, and
relaxin.
Pregnancy:
The period of development between fertilization and birth is called pregnancy or
gestation. It is the sequence of events that normally includes fertilization, implantation,

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foetal growth and birth. It lasts approximately 9 months or 280 days in human females.
The branch of medicine that deal with the study of human pregnancy is known as
obstetrics.
Changes in Embryo during Pregnancy:
 After one month of pregnancy, the embryo’s heart is formed.
 By the end of the second month of pregnancy, the foetus develops limbs and digits.
 By the end of 12 weeks (first trimester), most of the major organ systems are formed,
for example, the limbs and external genital organs are well–developed.
 The first movements of the foetus and appearance of hair on the head are observed
during the fifth month.
 By the end of 24 weeks (second trimester), the body is covered with fine hair, eye–
lids separate, and eyelashes are formed.
 By the end of nine months of pregnancy, the foetus is fully developed and is ready
for delivery.
Parturition:
The process of giving birth is called parturition. It is accompanied by sequence of
events referred to as labor and is under the control of neuroendocrine mechanism. On
the onset of labor, muscles of the uterus contract rhythmically and forcefully. These
signals originate from the fully developed foetus and the placenta which induces mild
uterine contractions called foetal ejection reflex. This triggers release of oxytocin
from the maternal pituitary. Oxytocin acts on the uterine muscle and causes stronger
uterine contractions.
The hormone relaxin secreted by the ovary and the placenta relaxes the symphysis
pubis to dialate the cervix.
As the uterine contractions become powerful and frequent, the cervix opens and baby’s
head passes into the birth canal. Contractions of the uterus aided by voluntary
contractions of the abdominal muscles propel the baby out of the body of the mother.
After the delivery further contractions of the uterus expel the remnants of amnion and
placenta which is called the afterbirth. The umbilical cord is cut and tied to prevent
excessive bleeding and infection.
Lactation:
The mammary glands of the female undergo differentiation during pregnancy and starts
producing milk towards the end of pregnancy by the process called lactation. The
secretion and storage of milk is under the influence of prolactin and the ejection of milk
is stimulated by oxytocin. The milk produced during the initial 2-3 days of lactation is
called colostrum which contains several antibodies absolutely essential to develop
resistance for the new-born babies.

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Note:
Germ layer Organs and tissues in the adult
Ectoderm Epidermis of skin and its derivatives (e.g., skin glands, nails), epithelial
lining of mouth and rectum, sense receptors in epidermis, cornea and
lens of eye, nervous system, adrenal medulla, tooth enamel, epithelium
of pineal and pituitary glands.
Endoderm Epithelial lining of digestive tract (except mouth and rectum), epithelial
lining of respiratory system, liver, pancreas, thyroid, parathyroids,
thymus, lining of urethra, urinary bladder, reproductive system.
Mesoderm Notochord, skeletal system, muscular system, circulatory and
lymphatic systems, dermis of skin, lining of body cavity, adrenal cortex

One mark questions:

1. What is scrotum?
2. Scrotum in human males is situated outside the abdomen. What is the significance of
this?
3. What are seminiferous tubules?
4. Name the functional units of testis where spermatogenesis occurs.
5. Write the function of Leydig cells.
6. Name the cells of testis that synthesise and secrete androgens.
7. Mention the type of cells which provide nutrition to spermatogonia.
8. Mention one function of sertoli cells.
9. Sertoli cells are very much essential during spermatogenesis. Why?
10. Name an accessory duct of the male reproductive system in humans.
11. Name an accessory gland of the male reproductive system in humans.
12. What is urethral meatus?
13. What is glans penis?
14. What is foreskin?
15. What is seminal plasma?
16. Name an accessory duct of the female reproductive system in humans.
17. Name the funnel shaped part of the fallopian tube which lies close to the ovary.
18. Name the finger-like projections present at the edges of the infundibulum of oviduct.
19. Name the middle part of the oviduct or fallopian tube.
20. Name the last part of the oviduct or fallopian tube.
21. What is birth canal?
22. Name the inner glandular layer of the uterus.
23. Name the layer of uterus which undergoes cyclical changes during menstrual cycle.
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24. Name the layer of the uterus which exhibits strong contractions during parturition.
25. What is hymen?
26. Define gametogenesis.
27. Define spermatogenesis.
28. What is the ploidy of primary spermatocytes?
29. What is the ploidy of secondary spermatocytes?
30. What is the ploidy of spermatids?
31. What would be the number of chromosome in the spermatids?
32. Define spermiogenesis.
33. Define spermiation.
34. Expand GnRH.
35. Mention the role of LH during spermatogenesis.
36. In the absence of LH, spermatogenesis does not occur. Why?
37. Mention the role of FSH in spermiogenesis.
38. In the absence of FSH, spermiation does not occur. Why?
39. Name the cap-like structure that covers the nucleus of the sperm anteriorly.
40. Mention the role of acrosome.
41. What is semen?
42. Define oogenesis.
43. Name the stage of meiosis in which the primary oocytes exist.
44. What are primary ovarian follicles?
45. What are secondary ovarian follicles?
46. What are tertiary ovarian follicles?
47. Name the cavity of graafian follicles.
48. Name the cavity present in the tertiary ovarian follicles of human females.
49. Define ovulation.
50. Define menstrual cycle.
51. What is menarche?
52. What is menopause?
53. During which phase of the menstrual cycle the endometrial lining of uterus and its
blood vessels breakdown resulting in bleeding?
54. Mention a gonadotropin which promotes follicular development during menstrual cycle.
55. Name the hormone which induces the rupturing of Graafian follicle.
56. Name a hormone which induces ovulation.
57. Ovulation takes place on the 14th day of menstrual cycle. Why?
58. During which phase of the menstrual cycle the mature Graafian follicle ruptures to
release the ovum?

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59. During which phase of the menstrual cycle corpus luteum is formed?
60. Name the hormone secreted by corpus luteum.
61. Mention the function of progesterone.
62. What is coitus?
63. What is insemination?
64. Define fertilisation.
65. In which part of the fallopian tube of the female reproductive system fertilization
occurs?
66. Why all copulations do not lead to fertilization and pregnancy in healthy couple?
67. When does the secondary oocyte complete second meiotic division?
68. Define cleavage.
69. What is trophoblast?
70. Why the cells of the inner cell mass of blastocyst are called stem cells?
71. What are stem cells?
72. Define implantation.
73. Name the finger like projections that appear on the trophoblast after the implantation.
74. Define is placenta?
75. Expand hCG.
76. Expand hPL.
77. Mention any one hormone secreted by the placenta.
78. Mention one function of placenta.
79. Name any one hormone in human females which is produced only during pregnancy.
80. Mention the hormone produced only during pregnancy by the ovary in human females.
81. Which part of the female reproductive system produces relaxin?
82. In which month of pregnancy, embryo’s heart is formed?
83. In which month of human pregnancy, foetus develops limbs and digits?
84. At which month of pregnancy first foetal movement and appearance of hair on head can
be noticed?
85. What is gestation period?
86. Define parturition.
87. What is foetal ejection reflex?
88. Name a hormone which induces parturition.
89. Why oxytocin is necessary for parturition?
90. Name the hormone released by the pituitary gland in response to foetal ejection reflex in
human female.
91. Define lactation.
92. What is colostrum?
93. “Colostrum is considered as essential for newborn baby”. Give reason.
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Two marks questions:
1. Mention two functions of sertoli cells.
2. What are the functions of sertoli cells and interstitial cells of the testis?
3. Name the hormones secreted by Leydig’s cells and corpus leuteum.
4. Name any two accessory ducts of the male reproductive system in humans.
5. Name any two accessory glands of the male reproductive system in humans.
6. Name any two accessory ducts of the female reproductive system in humans.
7. Mention any four parts of the external genitalia in human females.
8. Mention any two hormones secreted by ovary.
9. Differentiate spermiogenesis from spermiation.
10. Define spermiation. What is the role of FSH in spermiation?
11. Mention the roles of LH and FSH during spermatogenesis.
12. “Acrosome and middle piece of the sperm are very essential parts of the sperm without
which fertilization does not occur”. Justify the statement.
13. How is primary ovarian follicle different from secondary ovarian follicle?
14. How is secondary ovarian follicle different from tertiary ovarian follicle?
15. Mention one function each of FSH and LH.
16. Mention one function each of LH and oxytocin.
17. Mention one function each of FSH and oxytocin.
18. Mention one function each of FSH and progesterone.
19. Mention one function each of progesterone and LH.
20. What is menstrual cycle? Name the hormones which regulate menstrual cycle.
21. Name the gonadotropins whose concentration gradually increases during the follicular
phase of menstrual cycle.
22. Mention two events that occur during the follicular phase of menstrual cycle.
23. Define ovulation. Mention the hormone that induces ovulation.
24. Mention two events that occur during the leuteal phase of menstrual cycle.
25. Differentiate menarche and menopause.
26. Define fertilization. In which part of the fallopian tube of the female reproductive system
fertilization occurs?
27. Define the terms cleavage and implantation.
28. Define the terms fertilization and implantation.
29. Define the terms fertilization and cleavage.
30. Mention the functions of placenta.
31. What is placenta? Mention any two hormones secreted by placenta.
32. List any four hormones secreted by placenta.

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33. Name any four hormones which increase several folds in maternal blood during
pregnancy.
34. Name any two hormones in human females which are produced only during pregnancy.
35. Define parturition. Name the hormone released by the pituitary which induces
parturition.
36. Mention one function each of progesterone and oxytocin.
37. “Unless foetal ejection reflex is produced, normal parturition does not occur”.
Substantiate the statement.
38. What is colostrum? Mention its benefits.

Three mark questions:

1. Draw a neat labeled diagram of sectional view of seminiferous tubules.
2. Write the schematic representation of spermatogenesis.
3. Briefly explain the role of three hormones during spermatogenesis.
4. Write the schematic representation of oogenesis.
5. Mention the events that occur during the follicular phase of menstrual cycle.
6. Mention the events that occur during the leuteal phase of menstrual cycle.
7. Briefly explain the process of fertilization in humans.
8. Define placenta. Mention the functions of placenta.
9. In humans, sex of the baby is determined by the father and not the mother. Justify.
10. Define gestation. Name any two hormones in human females which are produced only
during pregnancy.
11. Explain the neuroendocrine mechanism which induces parturition.

Five mark questions:

1. Describe the male reproductive system in humans.
2. Draw a labelled diagram of human male reproductive system.
3. Describe the internal structure of testis.
4. Describe the female reproductive system in humans.
5. Draw a labelled diagram of the sectional view of female reproductive system.
6. Describe the structure of mammary gland.
7. Draw a neat labeled diagram of the sectional view of mammary gland.
8. Explain spermatogenesis with the help of a schematic representation.
9. Explain oogenesis with the help of a schematic representation.
10. Draw a neat labelled diagram of human sperm.
11. Describe the various events that occur during menstrual cycle.
12. Briefly explain the embryonic development in humans.

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QUESTIONS APPEARED IN PREVIOUS EXAMS

One Mark Questions-

1. What is ovulation? (March–2014)
2. Name the cell that secrete androgen. (March–2014)
3. What is menopause? (July–2014)
4. Name the physical and physiological connection between maternal body and embryo
(foetus). (July–2014)
5. Why is oxytocin necessary for parturition? (March–2015)
6. Differentiate between menstrual cycle and oestrus cycle. (March–2015)
7. List any four hormones secreted by placenta. (March–2015)
8. Placenta is the structural and functional unit between foetus and maternal body.
Substantiate the statement. (July–2015)
9. Ovulation takes place on the 14th day of menstrual cycle. Why? (March–2016)
10. What is Colostrum? (March–2016)
11. What is Menarche? (March–2016)
12. Mention the function of sertoli cells of testes. (March–2015)
13. Name the hormone secreted by Corpus luteum (March–2015)
14. Mention the accessory ducts of male reproductive system. (March–2014)
15. What is foetal ejection reflex? (March–2014)
16. Name the finger like projections on trophoblast that appear during implantation.
(June–2019)
17. In which site of fallopian tube does fertilisation take place? (June–2019)

Three Marks Questions:

18. Draw a neat labelled diagram of the sectional view of human mammary gland.
(March–2019)
Five Marks Questions:
19. What is spermatogenesis? Explain the process of spermatogenesis. (July–2014)
20. Draw a neat labelled diagram of the sectional view of female reproductive system.
(March–2015)
21. Draw a neat labeled diagram of human male reproductive system.
(March–2014/July–2015)
22. Draw a neat labeled diagram of human sperm. (March–2014)
23. (a) Write the schematic representation of spermatogenesis. (3) (March–2019)
(b) Write the two events that occur in the ovary and uterus during the follicular phase of
menstrual cycle. (2)

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